'97 XLT sohc 4x4....has the start up rattle for about 3 seconds or so, so I'm replacing both tensioners. I dropped the pan (rusty and wanted to replace it) and found a few small pieces of plastic (not that many) that are obviously from a chain guide. All pieces are cream colored (not the reddish-brown) if that matters and are original equipment.
I'd like to get an idea of what's next if the tensioners don't fix the rattle and I'm hoping I won't have to pull the engine. Is the most likely order of guide failure 1) jackshaft chain, 2) front timing chain, and 3) rear timing chain? Where does the balancer chain guide fall into that order? Can all guides be replaced without pulling the engine?
I'd like to get an idea of what's next if the tensioners don't fix the rattle and I'm hoping I won't have to pull the engine. Is the most likely order of guide failure 1) jackshaft chain, 2) front timing chain, and 3) rear timing chain? Where does the balancer chain guide fall into that order? Can all guides be replaced without pulling the engine?